MD12 Ergonomics

[Rob-F]

The MD-12 does not power the meter. The MD-15 powers the meter of the FA.

 

[raydm6]

I love the feel of the FM2 w/MD12 motor-drive. Mine is permanently attached.

If you get one, see if you can find the Nikon MR-3 shutter/motor terminal release and add that to the bottom of the drive handle for additional shutter firing options.
https://www.cameracenterofyork.com/classic-accessories-2/nikon-mr-3-shuttermotor-terminal-release


Nikon FM2 by rdc154, on Flickr

 

[rulnacco]

This probably is related in some way to css9450's post about jamming the drive at the end of a roll, and offers a possible fix. Again, from mir.com:

When your motor drive doesn't wind the film, don't panic and rush your MDrive for repair service. First, check the the shutter release pin which it must be in a retracted position when attaching the camera to the MD-11/MD-12. Detach the drive first, just mount the drive closely with the four electrical contact pin in contact with the metal surface at the base of the camera and this will activate the motor for a while and the shutter release pin will retract again if protruded earlier.

Sounds like he's saying you should short the four motor drive contacts against the camera base, to cycle the drive. Like I mentioned above, a quarter usually works fine, too--just lay it flat across the four pins, the drive should complete a cycle, and the shutter release pin *should* retract. But yeah, check that pin is indeed properly retracted, if you're having trouble mounting the MD-12 or getting it to work.

 

[farlymac]

People get that whole "Powers the meter" thing confused all the time. Especially when owning multiple Nikons and drives. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of what does what on where.


If you do get the MD12, John, you'll likely be looking for more reasons to have it up and running than being stashed in the bag "just in case". It just makes the FM/FE series cameras that much better. Mine was great for wedding receptions and other crowded venues where you had to be ready to catch reaction shots.


PF

 

[Rayt]

The FM/FE bodies don’t fire with the film advance in flushed position but otherwise it pokes me in the eye so the motor is necessary.

 

[John Bragg]

People get that whole "Powers the meter" thing confused all the time. Especially when owning multiple Nikons and drives. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of what does what on where.


If you do get the MD12, John, you'll likely be looking for more reasons to have it up and running than being stashed in the bag "just in case". It just makes the FM/FE series cameras that much better. Mine was great for wedding receptions and other crowded venues where you had to be ready to catch reaction shots.


PF

Thanks Paul. I am leaning towards getting one. Just the right one. If it happened to have a black spare body attached then it would be a bonus ! Some lovely examples available from Japan right now. Some even BNIB ! (Price reflects that of course)

 

[John Bragg]

I love the feel of the FM2 w/MD12 motor-drive. Mine is permanently attached.

If you get one, see if you can find the Nikon MR-3 shutter/motor terminal release and add that to the bottom of the drive handle for additional shutter firing options.
https://www.cameracenterofyork.com/classic-accessories-2/nikon-mr-3-shuttermotor-terminal-release


Nikon FM2 by rdc154, on Flickr

Nice setup ! I have had my Chrome FM2n from new, but I would like a black one to go with it. That button looks interesting. Sort of thing that would be in the bitsa box in my local B&M years ago. I got many useful add ons that way.